Newbie

Well done Wonk. Getting rid of avoidable stress is pretty much mandatory at this time.

Hi BroniD
I’m 53 and living in Brisbane. In terms of telling work I planned for the worst, but expected the best. So while I was waiting for my biopsy results (5 days including weekend), I got my work up to date and worked out a plan if I had to have a couple of weeks off. I got my results last Wednesday and saw the breast surgeon on Thursday. So on Friday, armed with a surgery date was able to go into my boss with a plan. He was panicked as we are really busy at the moment and I hardly ever take leave. By me being in control I was able to reassure him (ironic I know!). Once one person at work knows, word spreads pretty fast so be prepared for that.  Here’s the upside. There’s a few projects I’ve inherited over the years because I’m competent but they don’t really belong in my area. I listed them all and said someone would have to do them now because I can’t have stress. It worked.

Re telling others I tend to agree with @Afraser for similar reasons. I still have teenagers at home and kept them informed each step of the way making it clear they could ask anything they wanted to know.

I am retired but have a volunteer role and kept them all informed too of the process .I just think if we were a bit more open about things like this there would be a lot less fear and  maybe someone else might have a mammogram.

I guess I also couldn’t be bothered with cloak and dagger but that said I didn’t take an ad in the paper just spoke up when I needed to.

Hi Brenda5, I'm actually up at Agnes Water but was referred to Dr Lisa by my doctor. Thanks for the tip, I'll keep that in mind. Have a great day x

Hi @BroniD I am a bit further up the coast than you at Burrum Heads and I had all my treatment including chemo at the cancer care in Hervey Bay. Previously patients had to drive up to Bundaberg for treatment so it has been a savior for me.
When you get the biopsy, drop in to the supermarket and grab a packet of frozen vegs. Pressed to the chest it is heaven on a stick for the drive home. All the best. <3

Re your question about telling - I told my work colleagues (after family) when I got the biopsy results. I had surgery 3 days later so no point in dallying. I also wanted to work through treatment if I could (and did) so it made things simpler just to have it all known. It was my very small bit for demystifying bc. Not secret, not shameful, hard work but common. Best wishes.

They are pretty special this lot on here.We also have blokes on here who have breast cancer and they are great too.xo

Thanks Romla, that was great, I just sent off my order.
You ladies are amazing, have a great day xx

https://www.bcna.org.au/about-us/information-for-health-professionals/request-my-journey-kit-and-hope-hurdles-sample-packs/Hope this works if not will ask a moderator . Can you help @Giovanna_BCNA ?

Hi Romla, thank you, how do I get a BCNA My Journey Kit? I got it online on my laptop but I think I'm better with a book to write in.